Are you activating the CC with your TV or the Dish receiver? If it's the TV, turn the CC off, and try the Dish receiver's CC. I don't have any experience with Dish but my Directv receivers have CC capabilities.

I have spent the last 3 months decluttering and organizing my house, and I can still think of dozens of things that I could store in each of those spaces. Top one is for things you want to keep, but don't need to look at often, lower one is much more convenient. I would put doors on both. Shelving would depend on what I wanted to store. Things that come immediately to mind: Top: boxes of mementos, items saved for when kids move out, toys saved for future grandkids, family keepsakes that you don't have room to display (but can't bear to toss or donate). Bottom: suitcases, camping gear, tubs of off-season clothes or bedding, holiday decorations, ski boots, jigsaw puzzles, beach towels, fat jeans (or jeans I know will fit when I lose 10 pounds). Put one or two pull-outs on the bottom space, to make it easier to access. A shoe rack would be perfect!

Samsung has their Frame tv that’s pretty darn cool. I have one in my bedroom, it looks really close to art and the frame is like a real picture frame. I think it would be great for over a fireplace or somewhere you want a tv for occasional use. It’s kitschy and overpriced but it’s fun.

I like the idea of making it MCM inspired, but don't go too midcentury, as it may clash with the rest of your house--unless you are considering doing a bunch of remodeling. based on your pics, I think a style like this could look good, but with a lower bench and no shelf above it: or something wide and low slung. this one might be too dark, but note the shape, and how the TV is not too high up: or.... when I look at your first photo, it kind of looks like you might be able to lay out the room so the TV is on the big wall to the right? would that work? fi so: I think your existing FP is kind of midcentury inspired with the flagstone surround. what if you kept it, turned the nook to the right into a bookcase and/or wood storage?